My Life's Journey: 1st Grade Nutcracker

What a special day.

One of the many wonderful traditions at Buckley Country Day School is the 1st Grade Nutcracker performance. Since early November, this year's 1st Graders have been rehearsing for today's big day. They practiced in small character groups (snowflakes, flutes, flowers, etc.) and also together as a larger group. As parents, we started to feel the urgency in recent weeks as we were instructed to bring the children to school before the official start time of 8:25 a.m. Yesterday was a nice preview into the festivities to come with the Rehearsal Brunch, which I was fortunate to be a part of as a volunteer.

Lauren enjoying her Nutcracker Rehearsal brunch. (12/19/2013)

So festive!

Even though this is our fourth year at Buckley, this was the first time watching the Nutcracker. Last year, we left for Disney World. The previous year...I'm sure there was something else we had to tend to and it simply wasn't a priority. We always heard how beautiful and exceptional the Nutcracker was, but never witnessed it...until today.

We arrived at school this morning probably earlier than we have arrived before - EVER - at 8:07 a.m. The 1st Graders were allowed a dress-down day for today in order to make costume-change easier. My best attempt at putting Lauren's hair in a bun was for nothing as it unraveled when she saw Tyler and Madison in the courtyard and raced them inside. I gave her the biggest hug and kiss, sent her off and walked Elizabeth to her class. I then headed back home, waited for my mother and brother to arrive and went back to school about an hour later. Olivia's mom, Kristine, texted me a picture of Lauren in costume and it was such a shock to see my tomboy Lauren in a leotard, ballet shoes and make up.

About 10 minutes past 10 a.m., the auditorium darkened and this year's Nutcracker performance started. For someone who hasn't taken a dance class, Lauren was quite extraordinary. The twirls, the jumps, the curtsies. Lauren and her classmates were amazing. They were so into it and everyone had so much fun up there. After some equally awesome performances by the upper-school choir, 2nd graders and faculty, the 1st Graders were brought back on stage so pictures could be taken. Two random administrators came up to me on two separate instances and referenced Lauren's smile, and how she was having so much fun on stage. Needless to say, I was a proud mama. Today was noon dismissal and my mom, brother, Tae and I all went down to the classrooms to pick up Elizabeth and Lauren. When I went to Lauren's classroom to gather her things before the long break, Ms. Shackel came up to me, leaned in and told me that Lauren was THE MOST into it and the one who gave her/his best effort. "She's MVP," she continued.

That is so consistent with what I have heard from all teachers during her past 4.5 school years. Lauren always tries her best in everything she does - monkey bars, writing stories, swimming during camp, Korean school performances...the list goes on and one. She has this innate drive and ambition that is pretty cool, especially for someone like me who has that drive, but knows not to expect the same in their children. I hope she never loses this tenacity and natural will to do her best.

I am extremely proud of you my Lauren.